AUA Hosts ATF Representatives

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On April 14, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted a study visit for representatives of Armenia’s Technology Future (ATF) founding universities, namely, Yerevan State University, National Agrarian University, French University in Armenia, Russian-Armenian University, and Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE) as the ATF Secretariat. 

During the visit, AUA briefed about its programs and undertakings aimed at creating synergies with initiatives across universities within ATF. Thus, AUA’s ATF cluster on Artificial Intelligence (AI) contributes to Armenia’s international visibility and ability to attract innovative and purposeful opportunities that would place Armenia on the academic AI world map. The cluster was initiated as a CyberSecurity project in Ijevan, with the potential to grow into a CyberHub encompassing the development of data-driven economic, agricultural, environmental, and disaster response management.

The AUA Leadership and Governance is another cluster with different projects that benefit from the coordination and collaboration afforded through ATF. Gender related, as well as youth and leadership programs are considered under this cluster for jointly coordinated activities not only with local universities but also with international partners at European universities. 

As a cornerstone of ATF, STEM education embraces action based pedagogic training and tools that support other ATF member university projects to ensure alignment of the implementation strategies with national initiatives. There exist many advantages and opportunities in this area that contribute to launching new initiatives in the country. 

Capacity building of local clusters is another area that was discussed during the study visit. This area aspires to establish ATF cluster projects in marzes to derive untapped benefits and boost local planning and use of natural resources through university-public-private partnerships. 

Universities have an important role to play in knowledge creation and innovation through networking. It is necessary to nurture competence for successful advancement and develop the resilience necessary for competitiveness. Some of the efforts in this cluster will be further discussed in future ATF meetings. 

In the second segment of the meeting and as part of its promotion of research and capacity development, AUA invited the “Scientific and Innovation Partnership Assistance Center” foundation, the coordinator of national contact points of Horizon Europe under the Science Committee of the Republic of Armenia, to present relevant European funding opportunities. Various funding programs and platforms were presented to advocate for and promote research within ATF and beyond.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.